Angola is seeking Brazil’s support to address 15 non-compliances identified by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) in the application of standards governing maritime and port activities, as part of broader government efforts to strengthen legislation, enforcement, and operational safety at sea and in ports.

According to Jorge Bengue, Secretary of State for Land Transport, the non-compliances relate to Angola’s responsibilities as a flag state, a coastal state, and a port state.

Bengue was speaking on Wednesday, 14 October, at the opening of the First International Congress on Maritime, Port and Customs Law Angola-Brazil, held in Luanda, where he called for strengthened regulatory and supervisory capacity in the sector.

To address the identified shortfalls, a medium- and long-term Corrective Action Plan is currently under way, involving the various national entities with responsibilities in maritime activity.

Bengue explained that Angola is also reviewing its legal framework, drawing on the National Maritime Strategy for Angola 2030 and the marine spatial planning document, with the aim of accelerating the implementation of IMO international conventions.

In the area of infrastructure and logistics, the government is developing a National Port Strategy designed to modernise ports and strengthen their integration into transport corridors and logistical and productive supply chains.

The Secretary of State said that Brazil’s experience could help overcome the identified non-compliances, particularly in the areas of maritime law, oil and gas, and port management.

“Brazil, given its extensive coastline and comprehensive legislation and experience, particularly in oil and gas and port law, can share lessons learned on the transposition and harmonisation of IMO international legislation with Brazilian domestic law,” he said.

Bengue also advocated for greater cooperation between countries in the application of international standards, in a context marked by conflicts and maritime disputes that pose new challenges to navigation safety.

Brazil’s Ambassador to Angola, Eugénia Barthelmess, highlighted the strategic partnership between the two countries and the technical cooperation developed over recent decades, notably in the health, education, and energy sectors.

“For Brazil, Angola is a fundamental partner in Africa,” she said, underlining Brasília’s interest in deepening bilateral cooperation and diversifying economic relations.

The ambassador revealed that bilateral trade between the two countries amounts to approximately US$1.5 billion annually, of which around US$1 billion corresponds to Angolan exports to Brazil and US$500 million to Brazilian exports to Angola.

Despite the trade surplus in Angola’s favour, Barthelmess said the imbalance is not a concern for Brazil, and called for strengthened trade and investment opportunities.

The congress runs until Friday, 16 October, bringing together Angolan and Brazilian experts to discuss the implementation of international conventions, legislative harmonisation, and the consequences of non-compliance with maritime and port sector standards.